Caz resident, assistant US attorney charged with criminal nuisance

Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies charged a town of Cazenovia resident with second degree criminal nuisance, a class B misdemeanor, in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 15 after a large graduation party got out of hand.

According to investigators, Craig A. Benedict, an assistant United States attorney, hosted a party with about 200 guests at his 25-acre property on Burlingame Road to celebrate his son’s recent graduation from Christian Brothers Academy.

Deputies responded to a 911 call reporting an assault on Benedict’s younger son at a loud party just before 1:30 a.m. on July 15, and observed a number of cars parked along the road near Benedict’s residence, as well as in his driveway. Members of the Cazenovia Police Department responded to back up deputies.

“The Benedicts were enjoying a party they were throwing for their son, who had recently graduated CBA, when a number of uninvited persons showed up,” said Art Bigsby, Benedict’s attorney. “[The Benedicts] are cooperating with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department investigation into that, and into the alleged assault of their son.”

Benedict was issued an appearance ticket, and will answer charges on July 24 in the Town of Cazenovia Court. However, the investigation is currently ongoing at the county level.

“Due to the number of people involved, there are several people we still need to interview. At this point, there are no new developments to share,” said Madison County Undersheriff John Ball. “We will issue more information as the investigation continues.”

Benedict, whose office is based in Syracuse, is chief environmental prosecutor for the Northern District of New York.

As of presstime on July 23, there were no new developments. Check back here to read the latest news on this developing story.

Pierce Smith is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at 434-8889 ext. 338 or editor@cazenoviarepublican.com.